Something that has always been a little uncomfortable for me is not knowing anyone in a large group setting. I tend to stick to the outsides, hang around the wall and try to find someone who will talk to me the whole time. However, being a photographer has really challenged me (in a good way, I promise!!) to get outside my comfort zone and meet + network with other creatives.

Although I have no trouble getting to know my clients during their sessions (in fact it’s one of my favorite parts!) I am a little more challenged when it comes to networking wit other business owners. I think that could be as a result of a few different things. It is so easy to compare my business to someone else’s. “Will they think I am not good enough?” “Will they think that I don’t know what I’m doing?” Let’s be real, who actually does?? “Will I make a fool out of myself or run out of things to say?”

Honestly, all of those lies and doubts I can so easily believe are just that: lies. In fact, I’ve begun to form relationships with other creatives in Columbus and it has been such a blessing!! How many of you have actually became friends with someone you met online?? Well, I’m here to say that it is totally possible!

Networking with other creatives and getting outside my comfort zone has been one of the biggest blessing in this business of mine. It has given me job opportunities, friendships, learning opportunities and so much more.

I challenge you this weekend to do something crazy, to do something that makes you so uncomfortable that you want to crawl back into bed. It’s during those experiences that we really test ourselves and grow leaps and bounds. We can’t learn and move forward if we are stagnantly sitting in our comfort zones. Friends, the magic doesn’t happen in your own little bubble. You’ve got to stand up, put your big girl pants on and take the leap! You’ve got this!!